Scientific studies are currently exploring a possible link between rain and the clouds of spores that are released by fungi.

Mature

When the fungus is ‘ripe’, an explosion of the tiny fungal spores rises high into the air, where they collect water vapour. The vapour then forms droplets and this action may trigger rainfall. In this way, the fungi may assist in creating the environment in which they thrive.

10 May 2016

Rain…..the word evokes such mixed
emotions. Ask a Melburnian what they
think of the rain and they will wrinkle their noses in discomfort or disgust.

But in the country, especially with a
climate where hot dry spells are more protracted, the sound and smell of rain
is superb.

We can smell rain approaching, a phenomenon
that is due to downdrafts of the ozone and the rain falling on dry
surfaces, releasing smells from plants and soil.

The term Petrichor is given to the earthy
scent released by rain after dry spells.

In Australia the smell is especially
cleansing and refreshing due the release of eucalyptus oils from the gum
trees. But in the city, we mostly smell the
odours of asphalt and dust.

Recovery after the rain here is
astounding. The dry bushland is
glistening with moisture and with a renewed food supply, the local wallabies
and marauding deer have stopped jumping the fence to ravage the garden.

In the exhausted garden, the recent rain
has brought about immediate regeneration.
The brown patches of so-called
‘lawn’ are now bright green.

The deciduous trees that had dropped many
of their leaves in order to survive, now display an intense Autumn colour.

With the rain, the trees and blooming
perennials have brought a dry, tired garden back to life.

What is Gardens of Glenlyon?

‘Gardens of Glenlyon’ gives people the opportunity to see our beautiful part of the world and explore a range of gardens, from formal home gardens to rambling bush estates. Visitors will see how gardeners of this area have addressed the diversity of soil types, microclimates and site locations.
Gardens of Glenlyon: Summer was held in December 2012; Autumn in April 2014. Winter will be 29-30 August 2015 and the final GoG will be on 15 and 16 October 2016 when we celebrate Spring.